David Lewis (lawyer) facts for kids

David Lewis was an important Welsh lawyer and judge who lived a long time ago, from around 1520 to 1584. He was also the very first leader, called a Principal, of Jesus College at Oxford University.

David Lewis's Early Life

David Lewis was born in a town called Abergavenny in Wales. In 1540, he finished his studies at All Souls College, Oxford. He earned a special degree in law, called a Bachelor of Civil Law. The next year, in 1541, he became a Fellow at All Souls, which means he was a senior member of the college.

David Lewis's Career in Law

David Lewis had a busy career in law and government.

Becoming a Legal Expert

In 1546, Lewis was chosen to be the Principal of New Inn Hall, another college at Oxford. However, he soon became a lawyer, known as an advocate, in a special court called the Court of Arches in 1548. He had just earned an even higher law degree, a Doctor of Civil Law (DCL). Because of his new role, he left his position at New Inn Hall that same year. In 1549, he joined a group of top lawyers called Doctors' Commons.

Working in Government

From 1553, David Lewis worked as a Master in Chancery. This was an important job helping with legal cases and official documents. He was also chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for two different areas. First, he represented Steyning from October to December 1553. Then, he represented Monmouthshire from November 1554 to January 1555. As an MP, he helped make laws for the country.

A Judge of the Seas

In 1558, David Lewis became a Judge of the High Court of Admiralty. This court handled legal matters related to the sea, like shipping and trade. He was involved in important cases, such as looking into complaints about piracy against Spanish ships in 1564. He also questioned a famous explorer named Martin Frobisher in 1566. Frobisher was suspected of getting a ship ready for piracy, which means stealing from other ships at sea.

Later Life and Legacy

David Lewis was chosen as the first Principal of Jesus College on June 27, 1571. This was a very important role, as he helped set up and lead this new college at Oxford University. He stayed in this position until 1572.

During his time as Principal, he was one of the legal experts who gave an important opinion. They decided that an ambassador, who was a representative of Mary, Queen of Scots, could be punished in England. This was because the ambassador was working against Queen Elizabeth. In 1575, Lewis also became a Commissioner of the Admiralty, working alongside another important person named John Herbert.

David Lewis never married. He passed away on April 27, 1584. He was buried in St Mary's Church in his hometown of Abergavenny. Today, the part of the church where he is buried is known as the Lewis chapel.